this is bbc news. the headlines at 8pm... the government outlines its levelling up plans more housing, jobs, better transport and education to tackle regional inequalities. labour says they fall far short of what's needed. it shifts power and opportunity towards the north and midlands, scotland, wales and northern ireland. it guarantees increased investment in overlooked and undervalued communities. seriously, is this it? the sum total of our ambition for our coastal and industrial towns, our villages and our great cities is a history lesson on the rise of the roman empire. a third tory mp announces he's submitted a letter of no confidence in the prime minister today, as pressure grows on boris

johnson's leadership. the biggest ever rise in energy bills is set to be announced tomorrow but the bbc has been told government plans to ease the impact could cut £200 off household's bills. northern ireland's agriculture minister orders his officials to halt post—brexit checks on goods coming into the country from the rest of the uk from midnight. raith rovers' women's team have started to cut ties with the club and two sponsors have withdrawn, after the signing of david goodwillie. the player was ruled to be a rapist in a civil case in 2017. the government has set out how it intends to fulfil its flagship

manifesto promise of closing the gap between richer and poorer areas in the uk over the next eight years. the wide ranging plans laid out by the levelling up secretary, michael gove, include improving education and skills with a particular focus on raising standards in 55 areas across england. a promise by 2030 to narrow the gap on pay, employment rates and healthy life expectancy across the uk. a pledge to improve public transport outside london and deliver high speed broadband all over the uk. and an offer of a locally elected mayor for every part of england similar to those already seen in major cities. labour described the plans as a shopping list of recycled policies which lacked new funding. 0ur political corrrespondent alex forsyth reports from the constituency of gedling in nottinghamshire which the conservatives won from labour in 2019. we need to tackle and reverse the inequality that is

limiting so many horizons. they tell us to wait until 2030, but where have they been? beyond westminster, gedling is one of those places some might say has been overlooked. so, at this local allotment, the idea of growth in neglected parts of the country is welcome, though cautiously. it looks good on paper, _ and there's some nice little slogans and sound bites in it, i but the level of cynicism that there is around right now with politics and the present i government, who knows? this group has been paying attention. nottinghamshire�*s one of the places in line for more powers from westminster, possibly a mayor like those in london or greater manchester, all part of a plan to give places like this more political and economic clout. so, are they convinced? the things that people have been talking about like the electrification of the railway line up to nottingham, hs2,

they've disappeared before the things even started. we've seen wishlists before. we need actual, how is this going to happen? the government does have a list. better transport is one of 12 missions. 0thers — more homeowners, improving education outcomes, better broadband, with fixed targets and pledges to keep track of progress. ministers are trying to turn a slogan into a strategy, shed light on what's lacked clarity. this country won't achieve its full potential until every individual and community achieves everything of which they're capable. our economy has been like a jet propelled by only one engine. now we need to fire up every resource we have. and the economic prize from levelling up is potentially enormous. labour, though, says this planjust repackages old ideas and spends money already announced that won't undo years of austerity. ministers scurrying around whitehall, shuffling the deck chairs, cobbling together a shopping list of recycled policies and fiddling the figures.

is this really it? many communities have been made big promises, not least places that voted tory in 2019. there has been a lot of political focus on places like gedling in the midlands and north. now some in rural and coastal areas are warning they can't be overlooked. the government says this is about improving opportunity for everyone, but acknowledges that will take time. the question is whether people have the patience. take colette. she always backed the conservatives, but says today's plan won't make a difference to the daily struggle forfamilies and businesses like hers. we want to see the funding, we don't want it tracked - on a council balance sheet. we want it in our banks, i so we can employ people, protect apprentices, - actually pay people more. i think it's white noise. today was an attempt to shed light on what the government says is its key mission. the question, of course, will it cut it? alex forsyth, bbc news,

nottinghamshire. let's talk tojonathan webb from ippr north, a think tank that was set up to empower regions in the north of england. thank you forjoining us on bbc news. is this real change orjust rehashed as labour claims? 1 news. is this real change or “ust rehashed as labour claims? i think what we saw _ rehashed as labour claims? i think what we saw today _ rehashed as labour claims? i think what we saw today was _ rehashed as labour claims? i think what we saw today was finally - rehashed as labour claims? i think what we saw today was finally an i what we saw today was finally an acknowledgement from the government that these long storing and regional divides exist. we also saw a lot of in patient demand ambition, is this white paper in particular in terms of new mayors and addressing a whole range of things including housing as well as leveling up things like pay. however, the real question is, are we can actually see the policies needed as well as the funding needed to make any of this a reality? you mentioned _ to make any of this a reality? you mentioned local _ to make any of this a reality? you mentioned local males first of all. do you think it really is the top of list of priorities or people? is in a housing, getting people and rented accommodation on the ladder and be able to buy their own homes if they want to? and all those travel

connections for example. i want to? and all those travel connections for example. i think all of these things _ connections for example. i think all of these things really _ connections for example. i think all of these things really work - of these things really work together. you're right, it absolutely is about housing and transport. but fundamentally it is more of those decisions are made closer to local people two people you're going to see better outcomes. the shift towards giving those powers to local leaders and potentially new mayors is welcome. again the questions going to be alongside those new partners, are they going to be sufficient resources they are, are we can have the resources we need to make sure the resources we need to make sure the north of england gets the transport infrastructure needs? and levels of spending on transport. regardless of if it's new money or not, it is money physically going and according to what the government says. just looking at some of the figures, they're pretty big number 5 billion for the active travel funk about 1.8 billion for the new housing infrastructure 1.5 building for home—building, 100 million for innovation accelerator. is for home-building, 100 million for innovation accelerator.— innovation accelerator. is that enou:h innovation accelerator. is that enough if _ innovation accelerator. is that enough if those _

innovation accelerator. is that enough if those funds - innovation accelerator. is that enough if those funds are - enough if those funds are forthcoming? i enough if those funds are forthcoming?— enough if those funds are forthcomin: ? ~' ., , , forthcoming? i think the reality is this is such _ forthcoming? i think the reality is this is such a _ forthcoming? i think the reality is this is such a long _ forthcoming? i think the reality is this is such a long mission - forthcoming? i think the reality is this is such a long mission thesel this is such a long mission these regional divides are so significant that there probably is in the north. if you look at what had to happen in germany for example, the regional divides between east and west germany, it accounts for two about 60 billion per annum in terms of investment to close those divides in today's money. it really is a question of how we've got the long—term thinking here. i would get is see long—term funding of this investment take place of the next decade? that's crucially what the government sells itself to a count on. these measures which are designed for 2030. what we need to match that is long—term funding settlement. {30 match that is long-term funding settlement-— match that is long-term funding settlement. ., , ., , ., settlement. go back a few years of the northern _ settlement. go back a few years of the northern powerhouse - settlement. go back a few years of the northern powerhouse strategy| settlement. go back a few years of l the northern powerhouse strategy of george osborne and others, how does this compare with that? i george osborne and others, how does this compare with that?— this compare with that? i think what we've seen in _ this compare with that? i think what we've seen in this _ this compare with that? i think what we've seen in this document - this compare with that? i think what we've seen in this document is - we've seen in this document is something which is a lot more wide—ranging, it offers something which covers all the regions of england as well as touches upon the

nations of the united kingdom. but it is important to remember that it isn't the first attempt to do regional policy. you rightly pointed out the northern powerhouse agenda, many people remember that agenda and that was significant in establishing metro what he really has to do is embed across whitehall these ethos of closing the divide. having outlined is the question is for other whitehall departments, are they can get beyond his agenda was mad and crucially as treasury could get behind the agenda and backed the resources that it needs? thank you. let's see what a splash that story makes in the papers in a few hours times. will be looking at the front pages at 1030 and 1130 in the papers. my guess penny smith and martin bensalem. my guess penny smith and martin bensalem. three more conservative mps

have publicly called for the prime minister to resign and have submitted letters of no confidence in him, because of his handling of the row about lockdown parties in downing street. a minimum of 5a is required to trigger a no confidence vote. here's our political editor laura kuenssberg. does your party still back you, prime minister? - the fundamental question. if borisjohnson's party wants him out, his power to live in this street, to stop the traffic, that all disappears. turning up for the weekly bout to hear the opposition parties only too content to poke fun. the prime minister has more chance of persuading the public that he didn't hold any parties than he has of persuading them that the economy is booming. the prime minister is now a dangerous distraction at home and a running joke on the international stage. at the despatch box, as in his party, he tried to keep control. we are getting on with... we are getting on with the job. yet pondering in parliament,

one by one, more tory mps think his time is up. this former minister was never a huge fan, but now believes mrjohnson has to go. cut to the chase. call a vote of confidence in himself so we, everybody in the party, in the parliamentary party, can make a judgment today rather than allowing this car crash to continue. and how many of your colleagues do you think share your views? everybody is deeply concerned and troubled by this. we don't see any solutions. and you therefore have to go through the very miserable period, chapter of going through a leadership process. another mp elected in 2019, anthony mangnall, said he couldn't put up with the prime minister's mistruths any more. and then there were three. gary streeter, elected in 1992, wrote he cannot reconcile the public�*s pain with what happened in number 10. the bbc�*s aware of the 17 tory mps — some private, some public — who have submitted letters of no confidence to try to trigger a contest, far from the 5a the would—be rebels require.

but it's on many others' minds. i've given it serious thought. and has told the prime minister as much. i don't think it's irreparable, but we can't afford any more slip—ups, mistakes, misspeaks. can you say hand on heart today that borisjohnson will be the leader who takes the conservatives into the next election? no, i cannot. no. 0ught he to be? i don't know the answer to that. the prime minister's always had malcontents who refused to fall in line, and only two years ago, as ministers point out, achieved the brute force of an 80—seat majority. you can't please everyone - all the time within your political party, let alone across the country, but, look, i have confidence - in the prime minister— because ijudge him by what he's delivered for the country. borisjohnson and his team are fighting to stay at the top, yet each day brings more risk

that his leadership could slip away. laura kuenssberg, bbc news, westminster. ireland's foreign minister, simon coveney, has warned that an order by the dup to stop carrying out checks from midnight on goods entering northern ireland from the rest of the uk would effectively be "a breach of international law."the checks have been in place as part of the brexit deal known as the northern ireland protocol. it effectively means that northern ireland is kept in the eu single market something unionist politicians are opposed to. sinn fein described the move by the dup's agriculture minister edwin poots, as a stunt. here's the latest from our ireland correspondent emma vardy. well, this has immediately angered other parties in the executive that what he does is essentially go against that original brexit deal which the uk government signed up to with the eu for that what he does is essentially go against that original brexit deal which the uk government signed up to with the eu. 0f signed up to with the eu. of course those irish sea border checks were

over the island of ireland. but they've always been very to buy you a new nose. the dup piece it bit looking every which way to oppose them in the agricultural has been hinting that he could order his department to simply stop carrying them out. tonight he is now taken that step saying that he has had legal advice that he can do this. of course now this puts border staff at northern ireland sports editor every thing is very difficult position. will they need to waive lorries through that don't bring that new paperwork or will they argue that they are still legally obliged to carry out these checks? what this means in practice it on the ground here in northern ireland just isn't clear yet tonight. the headlines on bbc news... labours says the proposals lack ambition and new money to fund them. the third tory mp announces he submitted a letter of no confidence,

the prime minister today as pressure grows on borisjohnson. and the biggest ever rising energy bills is set to be announced tomorrow. government plans the impact could cut £200 off household bills. what's happening in the world of sport? the latest from gavin. let's bring you up—to—date with football. celtic have the chance to leapfrog rangers at the top of the scottish premiership if they win tonight's old firm match. they're hosting the scottish champions at celtic park right now. they are1— millup they are 1— mill up thanks to an explosive opening in the game. around first half at the moment. celtic haven't beaten ranger since december 2019 in the league cup final. two games in the championship to bring you. barnes we are hosting cardiff city currently goal is as is the match between the huddersfield were hoping to keep the momentum at

home to derby county. chelsea continue their defence of the women's league cup semi—final league cup semi—final tonight against manchester united. chelsea 3—1 man united— peniu. harder slots home opener before fleming headerrisa pulls goal back for visitors soon after fleming's second, but carter extends leademma ashley jousted down following ashleyjousted down following the footnote in the ashes. charles resided over the work of victory in 2019 but their test has regressed since winning just ten of their last 29 test matches. seeing giles replacing 2018 will take temporary charge of england's test in march. england captain hetaher knight says they must shelve the disappointment of not winning their stand alone ashes test against australia. they're preparing for three 0di's, the first of which is tomorrow, a draw in the test means england will have to win all three if they're to regain the ashes.

we have just got to focus on the first game, focus on that game and it bodes well, i guess, for what we have got coming up, the 0di world cup is all about winning consistently and winning knockout games, so it is going to give us huge confidence hopefully if we do well here, so yes, i think it may seem simple, it has been a very quick turnaround of two days, one day in training session then off you go, but it is the same in both teams and hopefully we can continue to put the pressure on them and take that momentum from the go. the action is underway at the winetr 0lympics, despite the opening ceremony not taking place until friday. with three events to get through the curling has already begun, gb opening with a win in the mixed event. bruce mouat and jen dodds, who'll also compete in the men and women's event, beating sweden 9—5. these two are world champions so high hopes of a medal — gb have a target of between three and seven, topping the tally of five from the last games. as plans for a super golf league pick up pace, six—time major winner phil mickelson says "pretty much

all of the top 100" players have been approached by saudia arabia to take part in a proposed formula one style competition. earlier, britain's lee westwood revealed that he's signed a non—disclosure agreement regarding his possible participation in the breakaway circuit. last year he said it would be a "no—brainer" for him to sign a multi—million pound contract at this stage of his career, but players joining the sgl have been warned they face a lifetime ban from the pga tour and dp world tour, which would rule them out of any involvement in the ryder cup. in american football, the washington dc based team have announced they will now be known as the commanders. the franchise retired its former name, the redskins, injuly 2020. the name and logo which was introduced back in 1933 has long been criticised for its racist connotations, with sponsors and fans pushing for a change. pressure has also come from the native american communicty who have found the use of the term offensive. that's all the sport for now. we'll have more for you on the bbc news channel later on.

thank you very much. the united states is deploying more than 3000 troops to bolster the defence of european allies. this would be the first major movement of us forces in russia's military standoff with ukraine. 0ur north america editor, sarah smith, is at the white house. this is steve zide did seem principally as a diplomatic measure. although the ideas i sending forces into eastern europe does represent escalation in the crisis was up it's not a complete surprise. the pentagon heads signalled they intended to do something like this for that we can't overlook the fact that this is the first major movement of us troops sense the standoff over ukraine began. in total they are going to send 3000 us forces into eastern europe, they'll move 1000 troops who are currently stationed in germany to romania, nearly 2000 will move from bases here in the united states into

poland. the message that it's designed to send is principally to their nato allies to say that they will actively defend them. as of course they are becoming increasingly nervous in that region. you have to remember, the consequence of this, even if it is meant to send a strong diplomatic message that the us is serious about this but still wants to find a political solution, the consequence is that you have more nato forces building up in eastern europe, closer to russia, the very thing of course that vladimir putin has said he is so concerned about. whilst you got the white house here saying that they no longer want to use the word "imminent". because i think that sends the wrong message. in moscow they see these troop movements being announced to the us and the deputy foreign minister criticised it as destructive. he says it will increase military tension and reduce the scope for a political solution even though the us is hoping this will increase the political pressure

on vladimir putin and possibly lead to a solution. so, away from the military tension and high level diplomacy, what do ordinary russians think of the prospect of full scale war in ukraine? steve rosenberg reports now from the city of vladimir. in russia putin is but one of many bladder bears. this is vladimir the town. it was —— vladimir. it was founded by a mediaeval prince who ruled from here. a reminder that russia and ukraine have common roots. his mother is from ukraine. he calls the two countries brotherly nations but he clearly sees russia as big brother.— nations but he clearly sees russia as bi brother. �* ,, �* , , ., as big brother. translation: russia must have a — as big brother. translation: russia must have a sphere _ as big brother. translation: russia must have a sphere of influence, - must have a sphere of influence, it's a superpower. countries can allied with who they choose. but

it's up to big countries to help them decide. i it's up to big countries to help them decide.— them decide. i find that many russians do _ them decide. i find that many russians do believe _ them decide. i find that many russians do believe what - them decide. i find that many i russians do believe what they've been told. the constant stream of claims in the state media here that it's ukraine and the west that risks turning a cold war hot. at vladimir market, on peoples minds our troubles on the home front. economic ones. lydia is trying to sell produce from her garden. the money she makes there is a lifeline. translation: the situation in ukraine is a worry. but translation: the situation in ukraine is a worry.— translation: the situation in ukraine is a worry. but so is the russian economy. _ ukraine is a worry. but so is the russian economy. prices - ukraine is a worry. but so is the russian economy. prices are . ukraine is a worry. but so is the i russian economy. prices are rising on everything, my pension is barely enough to survive on. iliiui’ith on everything, my pension is barely enough to survive on.— enough to survive on. with all the roblems enough to survive on. with all the problems russians _ enough to survive on. with all the problems russians have - enough to survive on. with all the problems russians have right - enough to survive on. with all thej problems russians have right now economic higher duty not hardship, the coronavirus there is little appetite here with the public for a

full—scale war with the ukraine live alone but you us was that that doesn't mean that russians fare such a war. many do. with east—west tension close to boiling point over ukraine this woman and her husband blamed the government. they believe the russian authorities have created imaginary enemies as a distraction. they want us to hate. they want us to imagine — they want us to hate. they want us to imagine that there is in enemy because — to imagine that there is in enemy because they are it must be an anime otherwise _ because they are it must be an anime otherwise people will focus on the problems— otherwise people will focus on the problems they have and focusing on what's _ problems they have and focusing on what's wrong, why they are not living the — what's wrong, why they are not living the life they could live if the government would be different, if policy _ the government would be different, if policy would be different. 30 if policy would be different. so will if policy would be different. sr will russia compromise or will there be conflict? she knows that will depend on the other vladimir.

russians did brushes current leader backin russians did brushes current leader back in moscow. you watching bbc news. the biggest ever rise in energy bills that will affect more than 20 million households will be announced tomorrow when the energy regulator 0fgem reveals the new price cap for england, wales and scotland. the price cap affecting customers on a standard default tariff is the maximum amount energy companies can charge for each unit of gas and electricity you use and it's reviewed every six months. last 0ctober bills increased by 12%. the new cap takes effect in april with bills expected to increase by as much as 50%, meaning the average annual bill would be about £2,000 next year. the government is under significant pressure to provide financial support for low income families. but right now, it's councils, charities and community groups which are stepping in to help, as our consumer affairs correspondent, colletta smith reports. i've got your tap here. finally, at last.

the plumber has arrived, and not a minute too soon for sian and her two teenage girls. the bath tap has not been working for months but she couldn't afford to get it fixed. now it's not going to cost her a penny. it is a life—saver, an absolute life—saver. james's plumbing company works for free or at cost for people living on benefits or low incomes. it is now getting to a stage where charities like myself are the ones that are keeping the country running, that are the backbone of the country, and without us, a lot of people would be in severe poverty right now. that is why chef adam is doing his bit to help out too. these are going to cook right down before we add our seasonings and... using his spare time in a pub to teach people living on a really tight budget. he is helping them make theirfood stretch further without racking up high energy bills. now is the time to dust

the slow cooker off. it costs about 25p to run a slow cooker overnight for eight hours. everything we can do in the household to just save that extra quid here, an extra 50p there, because that's what it's going to come down to. but it is the government who are under increasing pressure to step in with a much bigger solution as the energy price cap is announced. i've just worked out a gas bill that was 259 for the last two months. 0n the next one, it will be, like, 359, so where is that £100 coming from? sian is not the only one feeling the heat already but there are rules to protect you if you are struggling to pay. your energy company have to give you ten days notice before they increase your direct debit, so if you are worried about paying them, that is the moment to get in touch. and nobody should be worrying that the gas and electricity will be turned off, whether you are on direct debit or prepayment.

as long as you contact your energy supplier, there are lots of options that they have to go through with you first. while charities and community groups can help, sian knows looking after her children in the months ahead is going to get even harder. i remember my childhood and i remember sitting in front of the gas fire with my mum with parker coats on... and i don't want that. i'm sorry. it's difficult. it is really, really difficult. really difficult. colletta smith, bbc news. just over three million people in the uk tested positive for covid last week according to the latest estimate from the office for national statistics that's a small rise on the week before. the number of people testing positive in england and scotland remained unchanged.

but it rose in wales and northern ireland. the latest daily figures show 88,085 new cases recorded in the latest 2a hour period. on average, 89,148 new cases were reported per day in the last week. the number of people in hospital with covid has fallen to 15,233 the lowest for a month and the number on ventilators is at its lowest since july last year. a big rise in the number of deaths reported though 534 deaths in the latest 2a hour period that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive test though there will be some amongst this number who won't have died from covid. on average in the past week, 258 deaths were announced every day. 0n vaccinations, more than 37.3 million have now had a boosterjab, which means 65% % of people aged 12 and over,

have now had three vaccine doses. 0ur health editor, hugh pym, explains what's behind the latest figures. it's a confusing picture. yes, good news at the hospital numbers continue to fall. but as you are reporting, the office for national statistics survey from last week, and remember, this survey goes to thousands of households in test members of those households and finds those without symptoms who don't know they have the virus recorded a slight increase last week in the uk to 3.1 million people with the virus. although slightly different pictures around the uk, there were increases in wales and northern ireland and not really in england and scotland. so it a lot of virus still around with this 0micron variant, which is quite transmissible. although it has come down from the peak early injanuary. and with that very depressing figure

on desk about 534, that's actually the highest in nearly a year. but normally you see a quite big increase on a tuesday after delays over the weekend. that didn't really happen yesterday, some of that will be in today's figures. of course as you say, its debts was in 28 days of a positive test. some will actually of died of another primary cause. let's get more on the story we covered a few minutes ago. about the biggest rising energy bills. the government we understand will also be talking about some claw back rent or loan schemes for the energy companies which might mean a reduction of some £200 in household bills. let's speak to the founder and chief executive of the 6 million has been allocated in this claw—back scheme which works out to about £200. that's something but not

that much. if these bills on average will rise to about £2000, is that? yeah, well, we don't really know too much of the detail on this plan the moment. we've read about in the media at the same time as everyone else. if it is just £200 per household, that doesn't sound very well targeted to me. you know, there is quite a few of us who probably don't need a loan of £200 they are going to be a lot of households come this next winter when these price rises are really going to hit home, by the way, we expect in a small price rise probably in october at the moment. next winter, we are going to see genuine hardship in some homes in great britain because of these price rises. you know, instead of having £200 per household, we need something that is much more targeted. that's my

initial impression. we haven't been told the details of the scheme yet. most of us have been quite lucky with a fairly mild winter so far. it could've been a lot worse. just look at the whole system. the price cap system that was set up to households, is that working? because a lot of smaller energy companies, obviously not yours, came unstuck on thatjust obviously not yours, came unstuck on that just a few obviously not yours, came unstuck on thatjust a few months ago. you know, thatjust a few months ago. you know. love. _ thatjust a few months ago. you know, love, there _ thatjust a few months ago. you know, love, there are _ that just a few months ago. wi, know, love, there are some genuine flaws in the price capping mechanism. i don't think it's working the way that people expect it to. first of all, it's not actually designed to prevent high wholesale prices from hitting consumer bills, so these costs will be passed through eventually. i think actually price capping has caused these prices do come through quicker than they might otherwise have done, which i think it is, you know, not a desirable outcome. at the same time, of course, the

allowance for supplies to run the business has been too low for many years now, and you know, a lot of suppliers have had their balance sheets eroded and some have now gone bust as well. you know, i know that my business tomorrow after this announcement is probably going to be inundated with calls from customers. 0ff gem doesn't allow us enough money to power enough people to handle all the calls we get at the moment. i don't know what they think we're going to be doing over the next few months because obviously demands on the services from supply companies arejust going demands on the services from supply companies are just going to go through the roof. just companies are just going to go through the roof.— companies are just going to go through the roof. just briefly, the wholesale price _ through the roof. just briefly, the wholesale price has _ through the roof. just briefly, the wholesale price has risen - through the roof. just briefly, the wholesale price has risen hugely. | through the roof. just briefly, the i wholesale price has risen hugely. in terms of trying to persuade people to reduce their energy consumption, should that be more of a featured, do you think, in terms of government education? ~ , ,., , do you think, in terms of government education? ~ ,,., , ~ do you think, in terms of government education? ~ , , ~ ., , education? absolutely. we have been sa in: this education? absolutely. we have been saying this to — education? absolutely. we have been saying this to governments, - education? absolutely. we have been saying this to governments, we've - saying this to governments, we've been saying it to our customers as

well for a long, long time. we can all be doing something, changing our behaviours, investing money in our homes if you own your own home that could have reduced the impact of energy bills on your household, the vast majority of homes can save at least 20% of the energy, basically because we waste a lot of energy, and you know, that is a message that we don't think has been pushed out anywhere near strong enough. the technology is available now is wild to really help people make good decisions about the way they use energy. people with the smart metre can have data that will actually show them exactly what they are doing that is driving their carbon footprint, so very personalised data. it'sjust not footprint, so very personalised data. it's just not enough that's being made enough of that. 0bviously being made enough of that. obviously in the long run, we all went to get on thisjourney to in the long run, we all went to get on this journey to net zero the cheapest way to start on that journey is to be reducing your

energy consumption. yeah, government should definitely be pushing that message from this coming winter, there is going to be a lot of people that aren't going to have the cash to do that, and that is why we need more target and support for lowering income —— lower income households. thank you very much indeed for joining us. more now on the news that the stormont has directed his officials just stopped carrying out checks on goods entering northern ireland from the rest of the uk. let's talk to rte�*s europe editor tony connelly. this is part of the northern ireland protocol, is thatmy can this decision be taken unilaterally? the rotocol is decision be taken unilaterally? tue: protocol is there under

decision be taken unilaterally? ti2 protocol is there under an international treaty it's the brexit withdrawal agreement. most legal beatings of this doesn't have the confidence to overturn a personal inside the allegations of the protocol is not a delegated matter, obviously. simon, the irish foreign minister has already said this move is potentially a breach of international law because it's, again, it's underan international law because it's, again, it's under an international treaty that the uk signed with the european union. he treaty that the uk signed with the european union.— treaty that the uk signed with the european union. he would argument his sunporters _ european union. he would argument his supporters would argue, - european union. he would argument his supporters would argue, of- his supporters would argue, of course, that the actual checks needed stormont to prove all, which they didn't get. that needed stormont to prove all, which they didn't get-— they didn't get. that is disputed. auain, they didn't get. that is disputed. again. this _ they didn't get. that is disputed. again. this is _ they didn't get. that is disputed. again, this is an _ they didn't get. that is disputed. again, this is an agreement - they didn't get. that is disputed. - again, this is an agreement between the uk government and the european

union, and if you read through the protocol, it spells out very clearly all of the checks and the steer of compliance that northern ireland officials and uk officials are obliged to carry out under this protocol. it's written down in the protocol, and it is set out very clearly, the view in brussels and dublin is that the local administration while the northern ireland civil service obviously has to carry out these checks, the executive does not have the competence. it's not a delegated matter for the northern competence. it's not a delegated matterfor the northern ireland matter for the northern ireland minister just matterfor the northern ireland ministerjust to say he doesn't like it so he is ordering his officials to stop carrying out these checks. it's been in place for a year. have things improved in terms of delays? it is very hard to get a clear picture because we have had a grace periods which where mutually agreed between the uk and the european union to try and ease the burden of

these checks and controls. some of those grace periods have been proclaimed, if you like, unilaterally by the uk and that prompted the threat of legal action from the european union. there is a kind of tacit understanding between both sides that the checks have been reduced, if you like him and some of the grace periods have been extended in what they call a standstill situation while negotiations are ongoing between the uk and the european union, but it doesn't, again, people here in brussels and in dublin would say that he doesn't have the right himself as a minister just to say he is stopping checks, so politically as well as legally, this is going to go down very badly. there is going to be a huge row, isn't there? also explain how this fits into the context of elections coming up and to this obviously plays into. coming up and to this obviously plays into-—

plays into. there is obviously a suspicion _ plays into. there is obviously a suspicion by — plays into. there is obviously a suspicion by nationalist - plays into. there is obviously a suspicion by nationalist partiesj plays into. there is obviously a i suspicion by nationalist parties in northern ireland and elsewhere that this is something of an election manoeuvre by the dup and has been struggling in the polls because of the northern ireland protocol and both sides of the spectrum, one suggestion is that this could well end up in a court case, but the court case may not come to pass before the election, so the dup would perhaps avail as some kind of political from would perhaps avail as some kind of politicalfrom its borders and unionism in general if it is showing its voters that it standing up to the eu by simply not carrying out these checks. mil the eu by simply not carrying out these checks.— these checks. all right, ok, for now, these checks. all right, ok, for now. thank— these checks. all right, ok, for now, thank you _ these checks. all right, ok, for now, thank you much - these checks. all right, ok, for now, thank you much indeed. l let's get more on the government outlining its levelling up plans. last summer the prime minister gave a speech about levelling up and he compared the scale of the task with that of german re unification. after the berlin wall came down german citizens began paying a lot more tax to help raise living standards in the east

of the country. so is that what's needed to really heal the uk's north—south divide? spencer stokes has been finding out more about the german experience. in1990, in 1990, just after the world had gone down, i remember being amazed how far behind west germany was with their funny 2—stroke engine cars and their funny 2—stroke engine cars and theirfake coffee. their funny 2-stroke engine cars and their fake coffee.— their fake coffee. stitching two se arate their fake coffee. stitching two separate nations _ their fake coffee. stitching two separate nations back - their fake coffee. stitching two l separate nations back together. their fake coffee. stitching two - separate nations back together. on separate nations back together. 0n the berlin wall came down in 1999, the berlin wall came down in 1999, the new german government began an epic task of reuniting a country. economically, east germany and west germany were worlds apart. three decades on borisjohnson has drawn comparisons with the uk's on regional differences. to comparisons with the uk's on regional differences.- comparisons with the uk's on regional differences. to a large extent, germany _ regional differences. to a large extent, germany has _ regional differences. to a large i extent, germany has succeeded in leveling up where we have not. it is vital to understand that these

imbalances and inequalities are found within the regions of the uk. let's compare. a similar sized region in the former east german country. back in 1990, yorkshire's gross domestic product effectively the strength of its economy was £17,000 per person. growing to £28,000 by 2019. saxony after reunification was much smaller, just £1000 per person. but it grew to £30,000. so we see post—communist saxony leveling up and overtaking yorkshire and humber. that economic acceleration came at a cost but i'm watering amounts of money directed to the east of the country. in germany between 1990 and 2014, around £1.7 trillion was spent on leveling up measures. yes, the uk,

the leveling up fund currently at just 4.8 billion, so there is a large difference between these two numbers. ,., numbers. here in the uk, some levelin: numbers. here in the uk, some leveling up _ numbers. here in the uk, some leveling up cash _ numbers. here in the uk, some leveling up cash has _ numbers. here in the uk, some leveling up cash has already - numbers. here in the uk, some i leveling up cash has already been promised, ratherthem leveling up cash has already been promised, rather them and saxony was awarded £14 million, which will help create a new riverside residential quarter, but the money hasn't arrived yet. what do you think when you get the words leveling up? yeah... i... i have to be polite here. as i have said, it'sjust giving us back what we have taken, and it's nothing like what we need for leveling up. it's a bit like throwing crumbs at us. if he is really serious about leveling up, you know, we need that investment in our schools, our health services, our schools, our health services, our road infrastructure, that will really help us to level up, and that is what we want government to do. the call is for much higher levels of investment, but we are with the money come from? in germany, the west helped fund the east. the neck

in 1990, there was a surcharge applied to taxes in germany, seven and a half percent, later it went down to five and half percent, and this year, finally, because of the success of reunification, that tax will stop being paid by people, most people in germany, but that is 30 years of really a much higher tax rate in germany to pay for the german version of leveling up. we probably have to decide whether we want to pay something similar to do that here. are too many people, geography turns out to be destiny. yorkshire is _ geography turns out to be destiny. yorkshire is in a _ geography turns out to be destiny. yorkshire is in a far _ geography turns out to be destiny. yorkshire is in a far better- yorkshire is in a far better position than saxony was, but there are parts of the region that have been left behind and would welcome a leveling up budgets comparable with the germany's reunification plan. spencer stokes, bbc look north. a big part of the leveling of agenda here as outlined by michael gove is for education.

here with me now is janeen hayat who is the director of collective action at the fair education alliance a quite ambitious target for numeracy and literacy as well. presumably you welcome this i feel absolutely. we are really pleased to see education at absolutely. we are really pleased to see educatio— see education at the heart of the government's — see education at the heart of the government's strategy, - see education at the heart of the government's strategy, and - see education at the heart of the government's strategy, and we | government's strategy, and we have seen the gap between and a lot of areas targeted by this tragedy. attaining gaps between rich and poor students. so if we do not get that right, we are not going to be able to level up the next generation for the future going forward. as to the specific targets that you just mentioned, they are extremely ambitious. so the government has set ambitious. so the government has set a mission of 90% of pupils in the country meeting the expected standard for literacy and numeracy ijy standard for literacy and numeracy by 2030. we are currently around

65%, and we absolutely welcome that ambition. every child in this country should be able to read to the standard that we would expect. i think where we wanted to see a bit more detail and more investment was around the implementation of how those targets are going to be met. precisely, and the funding as well. exactly. so there wasn't new money attached to these education strategies, and also, there wasn't really an acknowledgement of the wide range of factors that go into targets like that. so, for example, if you think of a child learning to read. it's the teacher in the classroom, it's the school, but it is also perhaps a tutor that comes into the school, it's the parents or the family environment to need support in doing the best for their child. �* support in doing the best for their child. . , ., support in doing the best for their child. . i. _ child. are you right in saying there is infrastructure, _ child. are you right in saying there is infrastructure, because - child. are you right in saying there is infrastructure, because there i child. are you right in saying there is infrastructure, because there is| is infrastructure, because there is the scheme for the retention of good

teachers, isn't there because mexico's good teachers that schools might hang onto, they presumably will have more money to do so stuck in the welcome that hasn't been new money announced. so there is a teacher retention fund to keep the best teachers in teacher retention fund to keep the best teacher— teacher retention fund to keep the best teachers in sub'ects where we have the hardest i best teachers in subjects where we have the hardest time _ best teachers in subjects where we have the hardest time recruiting. l have the hardest time recruiting. that's another thing that we absolutely welcome but had been announced previously. there is not a lot of specificity around funding or initiatives that will be supported. to support the apple ecosystem around the school, charities, local government, working in partnerships with schools and businesses, so if we are taking a local approach as this leveling up strategy seems to be doing, we need a really solid ways of working between all of those different entities that feed into a child's life, and we haven't really heard anything about that and we certainly haven't seen any funding for it. ., ., ., , for it. how did all of this get there without _ for it. how did all of this get there without the _

for it. how did all of this get there without the sort i for it. how did all of this get there without the sort of i for it. how did all of this get - there without the sort of roadblocks of political positioning and dogma as well? these new sixth form academies, for example, failing schools to be allowed to join successful new free school academies as well, how much of that committee you think is going to be a problem to get this through? what would your appeal be to all political parties on this issue in terms of the best education for children?— on this issue in terms of the best education for children? yeah, there are certainly — education for children? yeah, there are certainly some _ education for children? yeah, there are certainly some policies - education for children? yeah, there are certainly some policies that i education for children? yeah, there are certainly some policies that we | are certainly some policies that we don't think are supported by evidence, and the elite selected sixth form college as i think where one of those. i think what's really important is to focus on the importance of this issue, this educational attainment gap that exists. these areas have been named as educational improvement areas, but also existing packets to across the country outside those areas as well. i think that really needs to be an alignment on that basic principle that we all care about our

children's education and that it's absolutely essential to make the investment in it. rather than fiddling around the edges of this political debate that can often get quite ideological and drag us down into arguments. mil quite ideological and drag us down into arguments.— into arguments. all right, thank ou, into arguments. all right, thank you. janine. _ into arguments. all right, thank you. janine. good _ into arguments. all right, thank you, janine, good to _ into arguments. all right, thank you, janine, good to speak- into arguments. all right, thank you, janine, good to speak to l into arguments. all right, thank. you, janine, good to speak to you. thank you very much. hrt will be available over the counter without need for prescription. hrt is used to treat menopause symptoms in 150,000 women had prescriptions in england. here with me now is professor dame lesley regan, who is the chair of wellbeing of women and a gynaecologist. thank you forjoining us. is there a risk of women self diagnosing and going to buy this when perhaps they might not need it? you and i thank you for the number of menopausal

women in this country have not been able to access help for their symptoms is really very large. iie symptoms is really very large. h2 mentioned them from about 150,000 have regular access to prescriptions. they are going to go to a pharmacist and after consultation with the pharmacist, if they've got symptoms that may be suitable for this topical national tablets, they will be able to access it via the pharmacist.— it via the pharmacist. there were re orts it via the pharmacist. there were reports about _ it via the pharmacist. there were reports about a _ it via the pharmacist. there were reports about a possible - it via the pharmacist. there were reports about a possible link i it via the pharmacist. there were reports about a possible link to l reports about a possible link to breast cancer. has that been resolved or are there risks but the benefits outweigh those risks? welcome i think there's two answers to that question, firstly, the risks of breast cancer a very small and they don't. .. of breast cancer a very small and they don't... most important, to emphasise this national tablets which is inserted with an applicator into the women's regina, the vast

majority of the benefits from the oestrogen is retained within the regina on the badge and a skin. so very little of it gets absorbed into the blood and therefore it's a very, very tiny risk. the blood and therefore it's a very, very tiny risk-— the blood and therefore it's a very, very tiny risk. forgive me, i am not an exert very tiny risk. forgive me, i am not an expert on _ very tiny risk. forgive me, i am not an expert on hrt— very tiny risk. forgive me, i am not an expert on hrt can _ very tiny risk. forgive me, i am not an expert on hrt can be _ very tiny risk. forgive me, i am not an expert on hrt can be obviouslyl an expert on hrt can be obviously are. are there several types of hrt which won't fall under this over—the—counter prescription? mr; over—the—counter prescription? ij�*i understanding over—the—counter prescription? iyi understanding is over—the—counter prescription? ii1: understanding is the over—the—counter prescription? i=i1 understanding is the nhra following the recommendation from the commission on medicines has agreed one project is going to be put out where we are going to consult the public on the use of one particular product. their other imaginal oestrogen treatments that can still go to their general practitioner or to a menopause specialist for or a gynaecologist, and there are also many other ways to deliver hormone replacement therapy. you can either get it to —— through the skin which is in the form of patches that a woman puts on her skin or a gel that

she rubs into her arms, upper arms usually. 0r she can take tablets, and there is a variety, lots of different types, but it is generally thought that the transdermal across the skin approach is the one that is the skin approach is the one that is the least associated with side effects, but this is not what we are talking about here. this is the hrt that the nhra consulting on isjust an oestrogen tablet that is put into the regina and will work locally on the regina and will work locally on the skin of the factional wall and hope that many women who suffer from very distressing vaginally dryness and atrophy post menopause will have enormous benefits and make the regina more elastic, less prone to infection and inflammation and obviously is a great boom to women if they are suffering from really unpleasant symptoms. there are a lot of them suffering him i would argue unnecessarily.— of them suffering him i would argue unnecessarily. thank you very much indeed forjoining _ unnecessarily. thank you very much indeed forjoining us _ unnecessarily. thank you very much indeed forjoining us here _ unnecessarily. thank you very much indeed forjoining us here on - unnecessarily. thank you very much indeed forjoining us here on bbc i indeed forjoining us here on bbc news. indeed for “oining us here on bbc news. ., ~ indeed for “oining us here on bbc news. . ,, , ., scotland's first minister has urged footballing authorities to step in as the backlash

against raith rover�*s decision to sign david goodwillie continues. a civil court found the player had raped a woman and ordered him to pay damages. the crime writer val mcdermid withdrew her sponsorship yesterday and now says she intends to work with the women's teams instead. the club, meanwhile, has defended its position. andrew anderson reports. re throw over his latest signing last night, david good well watched his new club drive three all with clean of the south. at that resulted at starks park hasn't been a talking point today. the crime rate or a lifelong fan who's name is emblazoned across one of the stands it's withdrawing her sponsorship, claiming she had been assured that goodwill he would not be signed. the chief executive look me straight in the has _ chief executive look me straight in the has no — chief executive look me straight in the has no interest in him whatsoever. i agree with you, we shouldn't — whatsoever. i agree with you, we shouldn't sign someone like that. next _ shouldn't sign someone like that. next thing i know, she's negotiating his transfer, so that's the kind of people _ his transfer, so that's the kind of people we — his transfer, so that's the kind of people we are dealing with here. in

2017, people we are dealing with here. 2017, he people we are dealing with here. ii 2017, he was ruled to be a rapist and ordered to pay damages following and ordered to pay damages following a civil case. he insisted the sex was consensual, prosecutors had ruled there was not enough evidence to bring a criminal prosecution. in the wake of his decision to sign the player to directors and the captain for the women's team have resigned. the whole of the women's team now walking away. the whole of the women's team now walking away-— walking away. they had a meeting last niaht, walking away. they had a meeting last night. the _ walking away. they had a meeting last night, the option _ walking away. they had a meeting last night, the option for - walking away. they had a meeting last night, the option for that i walking away. they had a meeting last night, the option for that is i last night, the option for that is essentially they want to completely distance themselves from the football club, but currently as we speak, having new shirts printed that don't have the crest on them stop at the first minister seen here today called for the footballing authorities to step in.- authorities to step in. yeah, i think that _ authorities to step in. yeah, i think that would _ authorities to step in. yeah, i think that would be _ authorities to step in. yeah, i i think that would be appropriate. i think— think that would be appropriate. i think we've got to recognise it at the bollards are role models and, you know. — the bollards are role models and, you know, young boys, young girls watch footballers and look up to footballers. therefore there is a responsibility on football clubs to make _ responsibility on football clubs to make sure that those role models are positive _ make sure that those role models are

positive ones. no make sure that those role models are positive ones-— positive ones. no sign yet over the noodwill positive ones. no sign yet over the goodwill he — positive ones. no sign yet over the goodwill he signing _ positive ones. no sign yet over the goodwill he signing ebbing - positive ones. no sign yet over the goodwill he signing ebbing away, l goodwill he signing ebbing away, another sponsor is pulling its funding from the club and the former prime minister gordon brown, a lifelong ray throw over stan has told them he cannot support the signing. 0pinions among those we spoke to where more divided. irate spoke to where more divided. we should spoke to where more divided. 2 should be able to move on, and if the ball is his career, then he should be able to play it. i think the bosses _ should be able to play it. i think the bosses are _ should be able to play it. i think the bosses are more _ should be able to play it. i think the bosses are more concerned| should be able to play it. i think- the bosses are more concerned about a good _ the bosses are more concerned about a good player and bringing them money — a good player and bringing them money. so a good player and bringing them mone . ., a good player and bringing them mone _ ., , a good player and bringing them mone . ., , ., a good player and bringing them mone _ ., , ., ., a good player and bringing them mone. . , . ., ., money. so far, they have not added to the statement _ money. so far, they have not added to the statement that _ money. so far, they have not added to the statement that was _ money. so far, they have not added to the statement that was released | to the statement that was released yesterday. they said while acknowledging the gravity of what happened ten years ago... first and foremost, this was a football related decision. tonight, no sign that it's a decision the club feels any need to revisit.

a trial to lengthen the school day in wales has begun — with pupils offered an extra five hours a week to take part in more activities and learning. it's part of a reform which could also bring changes to the academic year and an end to the long summer holiday. the national association of headteachers is critical, saying schools shouldn't become childcare providers. 0ur wales correspondent, hywel griffith, reports from abertillery. i feel excited because i ifeel excited because i can make new friends. it's an opportunity for me to learn new skills. i new friends. it's an opportunity for me to learn new skills.— me to learn new skills. i was quite lonely during _ me to learn new skills. i was quite lonely during the _ me to learn new skills. i was quite lonely during the pandemic, i me to learn new skills. i was quite i lonely during the pandemic, because i was by— lonely during the pandemic, because i was by myself. i think this extra hour_ i was by myself. i think this extra hour will— i was by myself. i think this extra hour will help us with socialisation and make friendships. best hour will help us with socialisation and make friendships.— and make friendships. best foot forward, followed _ and make friendships. best foot forward, followed by _ and make friendships. best foot forward, followed by a - and make friendships. best foot forward, followed by a fist. - and make friendships. best foot forward, followed by a fist. this| forward, followed by a fist. this lesson and mixed martial arts is the first case the peoples here of the six bells primary campus getting of their new extended school day. the extra hour at the end of every day

will mean tae kwon do, dance, cooking and lego building all become part of the timetable for the next ten weeks. it’ll part of the timetable for the next ten weeks. �* , ., part of the timetable for the next ten weeks— part of the timetable for the next ten weers-_ i - ten weeks. it'll be all right. i thinki ten weeks. it'll be all right. i think i be — ten weeks. it'll be all right. i think i be fine, _ ten weeks. it'll be all right. i think i be fine, being - ten weeks. it'll be all right. i think i be fine, being with i ten weeks. it'll be all right. i - think i be fine, being with friends always— think i be fine, being with friends always makes me a happy. sill think i be fine, being with friends always makes me a happy. all the possibilities _ always makes me a happy. all the possibilities on _ always makes me a happy. all the possibilities on your _ always makes me a happy. all the possibilities on your whiteboard. l possibilities on your whiteboard. but not — possibilities on your whiteboard. but not everyone _ possibilities on your whiteboard. but not everyone is _ possibilities on your whiteboard. but not everyone is pleased - possibilities on your whiteboard. but not everyone is pleased by. possibilities on your whiteboard. . but not everyone is pleased by the prospect of reform. the national association of head teachers warns schools earns childcare providers and staff shouldn't be expected to take on extra work. at this school, most of the activities will be taken by companies coming in to offer something different. we by companies coming in to offer something different.— by companies coming in to offer something different. we want them to re-enuuae something different. we want them to re-engage with _ something different. we want them to re-engage with learning. _ something different. we want them to re-engage with learning. we - something different. we want them to re-engage with learning. we want - re—engage with learning. we want them to have the opportunity to develop their friendships and generally seek out something in the wider community that can go forward and be used.

wider community that can go forward and be used-— wider community that can go forward and be used. ministers and wales are also lining up — and be used. ministers and wales are also lining no a _ and be used. ministers and wales are also lining up a potential— and be used. ministers and wales are also lining up a potential change - and be used. ministers and wales are also lining up a potential change to i also lining up a potential change to the school year, it could mean ending the long summer holidays that have been emplaced for over a century and having longer breaks in and winter. century and having longer breaks in and winter. 50 what do parents make of that? i and winter. so what do parents make of that? ' ~ of that? i find it difficult to cover because _ of that? i find it difficult to cover because i'm - of that? i find it difficult to - cover because i'm self-employed. cover because i'm self—employed. surveilled — cover because i'm self—employed. surveilled struggle to try and cover for six _ surveilled struggle to try and cover for six weeks. it's hard, you have to pay— for six weeks. it's hard, you have to pay for— for six weeks. it's hard, you have to pay for private childcare. and make sense _ to pay for private childcare. and make sense in _ to pay for private childcare. fifuc make sense in the summer. to pay for private childcare. and i make sense in the summer. keep to pay for private childcare. and - make sense in the summer. keep the lona make sense in the summer. keep the long holiday? — make sense in the summer. keep the long holiday? kids— make sense in the summer. keep the long holiday? kids can't _ make sense in the summer. keep the long holiday? kids can't do _ make sense in the summer. keep the long holiday? kids can't do much - make sense in the summer. keep the long holiday? kids can't do much in l long holiday? kids can't do much in that window- _ long holiday? kids can't do much in that window. with _ long holiday? kids can't do much in that window. with so _ long holiday? kids can't do much in that window. with so many - long holiday? kids can't do much in| that window. with so many routines revolvin: that window. with so many routines revolving around _ that window. with so many routines revolving around school— that window. with so many routines revolving around school times, - revolving around school times, adding an extra hour mayjust be the first step in changing the pattern of family life across wales. hywel griffith, bbc news, abertillery. the days are getting slightly longer, aren't they? let's have a look at the weather.

good evening. we keep a blanket of clouds for most areas, mild, frost free night ahead. some rain across the north and west of the uk. a leather friend which has pushed its way eastward. a warm front. behind that, still a legacy of cloud around. some patchy rain for scotland, northern ireland, through tonight, a few splashes around western coast sandhills through the english channel as well, clearer and drier conditions elsewhere. enough of a breeze and enough cloud around to keep temperatures from falling too low. around 7—9 , mild start to thursday morning. today tomorrow, probably more sunshine breaking through that cloud compared to what we saw on wednesday. still a few splashes of shari rain there a time for the morning. tending to fade away. drying up for most, but this cold front works into the northwest turning increasingly wet, windy and cold. mild with double figures ahead of that. bye—bye.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching context on bbc news. tackling regional inequality across the uk — the government sets out its plans to level up. the idea is, more housing, jobs, better transport and education — to help overlooked communities. three thousand us troops are deployed to eastern europe — the latest move in the ukraine crisis. the tension in ukraine adding to energy costs around the world — here in the uk we're expecting the biggest ever rise in energy bills to be announced tomorrow. tonight with the context, political editor of the daily mirror,

pippa crerar and daily mail columnist sarah vine.